june event.

[falsitates]

JUNE 15, 2021

The heatwave has passed and the weather has never been better. The city is full of life once again, and the streets are busy as people return outdoors to enjoy what summer has to offer. Everything appears to have returned back to normal.

For everyone, but you.

The newcomers are given an envelope that is either addressed to their current residence or placed in their belongings. There is no return address, and inside is a New York state government-issued ID. It appears to be authentic. The residents, on the other hand, receive a similar envelope, but with a SIM card. There are no other notes.

Are these your rewards?

  MISSION BOARD

Your phone vibrates.

It doesn't stop until you pick it up and when you do, it's cold. The buttons do nothing as it shuts down, unresponsive to whatever actions that you take. Then, much like last time, white lettering on a black backdrop appears.

WELCOME TO WEEK THREE.
A NEW MODULE HAS BEEN UNLOCKED.
YOU MAY CHOOSE TO IGNORE IT.
OR YOU MAY CHOOSE TO USE IT.
AUDENTES FORTUNA IUVAT

A new section has been added to the app. It reads as 'missions'. There are currently three tasks available right now.

  BEGINNINGS OF A FOREST

The barrier continues to grow in size. Vitae's outskirts are gradually, but surely, expanding, and in its new area is a sea of trees. There has never been a forest surrounding the city, yet one is unmistakably forming. It's small, extending outside for less than a quarter-mile, and asides from its sudden appearance, there's nothing unusual about it. Only trees, the barrier, and the nagging feeling that someone is watching you.

Nobody in the city seems to notice. When questioned, they claim that the forest has always been there. In fact, the city was created in the heart of a forest, and it has remained that way since its inception. None of them are aware of the fact that these trees were never there until now.

It's as though the forest has always been there.

  DECISION TIME

By the end of the day, your phone vibrates again. A new message appears.

ALLY?
BETRAY?

One of the two choices must be selected. Otherwise, you won't be able to use your phone.

Make your choice.

Comments

[rightminded]

I truly appreciate your concern, Nier-san. It seems a natural fit, that one so kind would work in medicine.

I'll do my very best to stay safe. In the meantime, do you know of any convenient form of housing available to transplants such as myself? I'm more than willing to work for my keep.

[silentends]

Housing? I know there's some apartments you could pay for.

They're affordable but minimalistic. Would that be okay?

[rightminded]

Certainly. I've no need of extravagance.

[silentends]

You should be able to make it just fine then.

If you're running on a budget the church offers free meals sometimes. That should cut back on some of your other expenses.

[rightminded]

Excellent. This is all very helpful. I believe I can take things from here, then. Thank you again for your help. I’ll have to find some way to repay you in the future, Nier-san.

[silentends]

Oh, come on. There's no need for you to go and do that. We have to help each other out during these odd times.

Let me know if you're curious about anything else or have other questions.